Gardener snatched from Aranjuez bar

Kazim Rahim was liming with friends at the bar at 9.15 pm, when he was pulled out of the bar by two gunmen, and bundled into a green Mitsubishi Lancer.

He is the country’s 22nd kidnap victim for the year. The popular bar remained opened for business as usual yesterday, but no one wanted to divulge any information. However, Carlos Bar patrons expressed fear over the kidnapping situation in the country. Yesterday, relatives of Rahim refused to be interviewed or have their house photographed. They said they were "not in a position to release any information at this time."

Police remained baffled over the kidnapping, saying it may be a case of mistaken identity. Rahim is the third person to be kidnapped from a bar in the Aranjuez area.

Barlow Maharaj, a Trinidadian living in the United States who was visiting relatives one month ago, was snatched from the Samaan Tree Bar. He is still being held by his abductors. Carlos Bar itself was also recently robbed by bandits. Valsayn businessman Robin Ramadhar, who was liming with friends at Curry House Restaurant and Bar a few months ago, was also kidnapped. He was released after his relatives paid a ransom.

Yesterday, residents of Aranjuez renewed their concern over the high level of crime in the district.

They also renewed their calls to Police Commissioner Trevor Paul, for a police mobile post or regular patrols through Aranjuez.